shipwreck

Source: Jean Baptiste Pillement: A Shipwreck during a Tempest (56.7) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Shipwrecks have often been looked at as terrible disasters, and the painting captures the true essence of such an event. The waves look alive, as if the ship is actually being tossed and turned by the angered ocean. The stormy sky creates a dangerous background, and the people managing to find themselves still alive, as they pull themselves atop the rocks of a cliff, brings a sense of fear, anguish, and pity. Yet, one person also appears to be raising their hands as if praising the fact that they managed to make it out alive, while in the background the ship appears to be crushed as a wave bashes into it. It brings about quite a few feelings, depression, sadness, and also displays it well in the colors of the painting. Setting a meaningful and well expressed scene of what a shipwreck would actually look like. Of all the pictures, this one seemed to stand out to me the most, having such a plain and simple display yet also giving the onlooker multiple feelings all at once. Digging deeper than other paintings would, and therefore appealing to me more than any of the other paintings. Shipwrecks also fascinate me as well as storms and the connections that they have the waves in the oceans.


September 22nd, 2011

1. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 meaning "Loved it" and 1 meaning "Hated it" rate the work of the artists you saw on the video today.

Trenton Hancock Doyle: 6

Elizabeth Murray: 5

2. Give the reason for your scores for both artists.

Trenton Hancock Doyle: He had an interesting way of expressing his art with letters and other designs, as well as using memories to fuel his inspiration. He collected objects that had some sort of value to him and kept them near for his work or to bring back the inspiration he needed.

Elizabeth Murray: Her artwork was extremely unique, although seemed to be lacking. It was interesting how she preferred silence, however, and thought it better helped her feelings come forth into her artwork. Always believing that she could get feedback on her work, and that she should keep working on it.

3. How were the works of Doyle and Murray different?
Doyle seemed to use stuff from his childhood and used a style that included some form of human-like or reasonably personified elements, while Murray made hers with shapes.

4. How were they similar?
They both used colors and abstract designs, adding stuff through their emotions and feelings and putting it all into their work by drawing and painting.